The Chengalpattu District Child Protection Unit has introduced a set of new measures to prevent child sexual abuse in schools. These include the formation of POCSO grievance committees in every school, mandatory police verification for all new hires, and regulated POCSO training sessions for teachers, among other steps.
In a circular dated March 24, schools were instructed to designate two staff members—one as the school’s Child Protection Officer and the other as the Lead Child Protection In-charge. Going forward, all new recruits in Chengalpattu schools must undergo police verification and sign an affidavit declaring that they have never been accused of offences under the POCSO Act. Physical education teachers should be women, and 50% of school staff should be women, the circular added.
Schools have also been directed to install adequate CCTV cameras, conduct regular safety audits, reduce high-risk areas within school premises, display posters on the NCPCR-POCSO e-box (for filing online sexual abuse complaints), and prominently showcase the child helpline number (1098).
In addition, schools must conduct personal safety sessions for children once every three months and organise training for teachers on child protection measures every four months.
All schools must submit a detailed action-taken report to the District Child Protection Unit by May 15, the circular stated.